SHS loses heartbreaker in first round

Sunday

Feb 10, 2013 at 12:31 AMFeb 10, 2013 at 12:32 AM

Despite dropping the first five matches to fifth-seed Duncan, Shawnee’s wrestlers clawed their way back and had a chance to win in overtime, but fell just short in a 29-28 loss in the first round of the Class 5A dual team state tournament Saturday.

Despite dropping the first five matches to fifth-seed Duncan, Shawnee’s wrestlers clawed their way back and had a chance to win in overtime, but fell just short in a 29-28 loss in the first round of the Class 5A dual team state tournament Saturday.

After Markeae Sanders scored an 8-2 decision over Shawnee’s Bryce O’Connor at 113 pounds to push the Duncan lead to 29-25 with one match to go, Michael Smith forced overtime at 120 pounds against Duncan’s Jett Gray.

Smith gained a 2-0 advantage in the fourth period but was unable to pin Gray. The three points from the decision were not enough to tie or take the lead, giving the match to Duncan.

“This was a tough one to swallow, but like I told our kids after the match, I was very proud of their effort,” SHS head coach Larry James said. “We just came up short today, but now we have to get ready for regionals, and champions get back up after being down.”

Duncan’s Connor Kelly picked up a major decision over Corey Todd at 145 before Daniel Carnahan pinned Shawnee’s Cle Clark in 45 seconds to put the Demons up 19-0.

Matt Daniel (160) and Thomas Shepherd (170) led off the Shawnee comeback with falls over Tyler Vanoven and Jon McGill, respectively.

Walker Smith (182) scored an 11-0 major decision over Tyler Gomez to fuel the rally and bring Shawnee within three points (19-16).

Duncan’s Marcus Stewart ended the Wolves’ winning streak with an 11-2 major decision over Gage Humphrey at 195 pounds. Fellow Demon Cameron McGill claimed a 1-0 decision over Robert Selumber at 220 pounds.

Shawnee’s heavyweight Ryan Goodfox pinned Daniel Moore in 1:38 to put some pressure on Duncan. Nick Poncho (106) then led off the lower weights with a 3-2 decision over Duncan’s Dustin Chase to close the gap to 26-25.

“Thanks to the fans who came,” James said. “We had great fan support once again.”

Note: Report compiled by Chuck Porter.

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